Controls Technician

Controls Technician

On-Board Services is hiring a Controls Technician in Santa Clara, CA! For immediate consideration please send your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io Subject Line: Position Title and State you are Located

Position Type: Full Time / Contract

Job Location: Santa Clara, CA (relocation assistance available)

Benefits: Health Insurance, 401k, Life Insurance

Compensation: $64 - $91/hr depending on experience and qualifications

Overview/Summary

Our Client is a global professional services firm that provides engineering, design, construction, and consulting solutions across infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy, water, and government sectors. We're seeking a Controls Technician to join our team in Santa Clara, California who is excited to have the chance to work on projects enabling a semi-conductor production facility. Your primary responsibility will be designing, developing, and leading the implementation of complex industrial automation systems. This role involves advanced PLC programming, HMI/SCADA system design, system architecture, and full project lifecycle ownership from concept through commissioning. The role also provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and ensures high-quality, scalable automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced PLC programs using structured, modular, and scalable architectures • Lead development of HI/SCADA systems with focus on usability, performance, and reliability • Architect full automation solutions including PLC, HMI, SCADA, networks, and field devices • Oversee system integration with databases, historians, and enterprise systems • Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex system failures and production issues • Manage system testing, validation, and onsite commissioning activities • Establish and enforce PLC/HMI programming standards and best practices • Review and approve electrical designs, control strategies, and system documentation • Collaborate with project managers, clients, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams • Mentor and guide junior and intermediate engineers • Ensure compliance with safety standards, industry regulations, and cybersecurity practices.

Qualifications

Here's what you'll need: • Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics or related field with equivalent experience. • 8+ years of experience in PLC/HMI programming or industrial automation • Expert-level PLC programming skills across one or more platforms • Proven experience leading automation projects and system commissioning • Strong knowledge of control system design, electrical systems, and industrial processes

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with: o Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000, ControlLogix) o Siemens (TIA Portal, S7) o Emerson (Machine Edition) • Expertise with SCADA platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk, WinCC, Cimplicity) • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, OPC UA • Experience with motion control, robotics, and high-speed automation systems • Familiarity with MES integration, databases (SQL), and IIoT systems • Experience with safety PLCs and functional safety standards (SIL, ISO) • Exposure to industrial cybersecurity practices

Additional Details: • This is an on-site position with work to be performed on the client site in Santa Clara, CA. • After hours on-call support services are occasionally requested. • Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidate. • Requires field mobility including walking long distances, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces and lifting up to 25 lbs. • Travel may be required. • Must pass background check, drug screening and be fully authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship).